Man encroaching nature in the name of progress and for other selfish reasons has always been a sore point when it comes to discussions about climate change and ecological balance. As temperatures rise, it becomes even more crucial to discuss topics like these. Yesterday at zero hour at the Rajya Sabha, MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar and Vice Chairman of NDA in Kerala raised the question of Munnar Forests not being protected fully under the Forest Conservation Act, pointing out that the State Government hasn’t been punishing violators.

This area – Munnar, he said is being destroyed through a rampant culture of encroachment and lack of law enforcement – being done in active collusion with local political leaders and elements of the State Government.

He added, “This represents a serious threat to the ecological protection of Western Ghats, in 4 states namely Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa. Munnar is one of the most famous hill stations in Western Ghats, located at 1800 metres above MSL in Idukki District of Kerala. Munnar and adjoining areas like Cardamom Hill Reserve are identified as Eco-Sensitive Zone. This area is facing massive land encroachment and illegal constructions by influential persons supported by the local politicians including that of the people’s representatives of ruling front in the state.”

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Man encroaching nature in the name of progress and for other selfish reasons has always been a sore point when it comes to discussions about climate change and ecological balance. As temperatures rise, it becomes even more crucial to discuss topics like these. Yesterday at zero hour at the Rajya Sabha, MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar and Vice Chairman of NDA in Kerala raised the question of Munnar Forests not being protected fully under the Forest Conservation Act, pointing out that the State Government hasn’t been punishing violators.

This area – Munnar, he said is being destroyed through a rampant culture of encroachment and lack of law enforcement – being done in active collusion with local political leaders and elements of the State Government.

He added, “This represents a serious threat to the ecological protection of Western Ghats, in 4 states namely Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa. Munnar is one of the most famous hill stations in Western Ghats, located at 1800 metres above MSL in Idukki District of Kerala. Munnar and adjoining areas like Cardamom Hill Reserve are identified as Eco-Sensitive Zone. This area is facing massive land encroachment and illegal constructions by influential persons supported by the local politicians including that of the people’s representatives of ruling front in the state.”

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